Pictured, from left, are Sydney Langhorn and John Lantz.

Photos and Text
By Adrian Hartman
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — At the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, the soft purrs and playful antics of cats now have a safe, stress-free haven thanks to the creation of the Cat House.

Suggested by Dr. Carla Carlton, DVM, the Cat House was designed to separate cats from the shelter’s dogs, providing a calmer environment that reduces stress and encourages healthy socialization.

Currently, the Cat House and AWL foster programs care for 186 cats and kittens, all of whom are fully vetted before adoption. Kittens are available for a $50 adoption fee, while adult cats can be adopted for $25. Each cat receives comprehensive care during intake, including two FPVR vaccinations, rabies shots, deworming, flea and tick treatment, microchipping, and spay or neuter surgery.

Pictured is Langhorn with a cat.

The Cat House is led by Sydney Langhorn, who found her calling at AWL after switching career paths from mechanical engineering to animal welfare. After just six months, Sydney was promoted to cat house manager and lead vet tech, overseeing a dedicated team of six. John Lantz, president of the board, continues to champion AWL’s nonprofit mission, passionately dedicating his time and energy to the shelter.

“Fostering saves not only one life, but two. For every foster we can take in another stray to treat and care for,” said Langhorn.

Foster care is an essential part of AWL’s work, particularly in spring during kitten season. Many new foster homes are recruited through social media, primarily Facebook, and interested families undergo a conversation and application process. Within a week, a cat or kitten can be placed in their new foster home, helping them thrive in a nurturing environment.

AWL is also committed to community programs, including a unique initiative where children can come to read to kittens. This program boosts children’s reading skills while giving the cats much-needed social interaction. Looking forward, AWL hopes to expand medical resources to the local community, improve outreach in trailer parks, and address the needs of stray cat populations.

Volunteers remain critical to the success of the Cat House. Socializing the animals, supporting adoption events, and assisting with daily operations all make a significant difference. The AWL encourages community members to get involved, helping both cats and people experience the joy and emotional rewards of animal companionship.